The creator of Animal House at last tells the real story of the fraternity that inspired the iconic film—a story far more outrageous (and funny!) than any movie could ever capture. Animal House, the film adaptation of stories Chris Miller published in National Lampoon about his experiences at a Dartmouth fraternity, is among the most beloved and successful comedies of all time. In fact its portrayal of college party life is still imitated on campuses across the country—toga party, anyone?

Now nearly thirty years after the movie hit theaters, there are no taboos left, and Chris Miller can finally answer the fans who all want to know one thing: was it really like that? The answer: yes—but much, much more out of control! Here for the first time are the real stories of Alpha Delta Phi. Like the one about the frat brother who entertained the house by lighting his hair on fire—not the hair on his head, however. Or about the pledge who trick-or-treated around campus in a very revealing jack-o-lantern costume. Or about initiation night when a frozen hot dog became very painful for two rushes.

Wild and hilarious, The Real Animal House is a must-read for any fan of the film and anyone who remembers their college days as a blur of great parties and solid friendship.

Download and start listening now!

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Quotes & Awards

“McLaren’s matter-of-fact tone makes the bizarre stories that much zanier. He even executes the musical cues within the text impressively.”

AudioFile

Listener Opinions

by Neil | 2/13/2014

" A delight to read, for those of us who find stories of binge drinking and its consequences fun! "

by Nessa Borealis | 1/24/2014

" This book taught me that life as a member of Alpha Delta Phi was as raucous in the early 60s as it was in the early 80s. And that adding women into the picture didn't mess with that at all. Miller is a great memoirist, and hilariously funny to boot. (Maybe "boot" is not the best verb here. Heh.) "

" I enjoyed the stories, but at some point it passed my gross-out line. Right up until that it was really enjoyable. "

Gary | 11/14/2013

" If you lived in a fraternity house, this is possibly the single greatest book in the history of time. If you didn't but appreciate college humor, this still might be the greatest book in the history of time. "

" If you thought the movie was funny, you will absolutely LOVE this book! It starts out a little slow but once it takes off, you'd better hold on cause nothing and no one is safe from the antics. You will laugh til you cry in pure disbelief! "

Ron | 11/19/2012

" The movie doesn't tell the half of Chris Miller's real-life experiences at Dartmouth. Readers of a certain age may remember some of these stories from National Lampoon magazine, but for younger readers they'll be a swell revelation. "

Nick | 7/16/2012

" Greatly entertaining for Dartmouth alums. "

Ellen | 2/26/2012

" Frat boys at Dartmouth ARE awesomely deprived -- or at least they were until the No-Fun Brigade caught on. "

Ashley | 1/29/2012

" Good book to remind you of all the crazy, stupid things you did in college. Funny book and an entertaining read. "

Superilla | 12/28/2011

" Some humorous anecdotes. Lots of characters to try and remember. I thought Miller pulled a few punches. "

Mark Leta | 11/16/2011

" Somewhat fun read. A little too raunchy in places, but interesting to learn more about the characters that inspired a classic movie. "

Emily | 10/30/2011

" I laughed pretty hard a couple of times. It would have been fun to watch these idiots at the AD House. This brought back some of my Theta Phi memories. "

Dawn | 8/6/2011

" OK, it made me laugh in a couple of spots. Still, nothing to write home about, not nearly as deranged as they would have you think. A lot of vomiting and drinking, creative sophomoric craziness. Frankly depicted sex, but not earth-shattering- I've seen more graphic descriptions in romances. "

" boys love beer... and exposing their privates, and ladies'tatas... who doesn't need more of this in their life??? "

Superilla | 3/15/2011

" Some humorous anecdotes. Lots of characters to try and remember. I thought Miller pulled a few punches.
"

Dawn | 3/10/2011

" OK, it made me laugh in a couple of spots. Still, nothing to write home about, not nearly as deranged as they would have you think. A lot of vomiting and drinking, creative sophomoric craziness. Frankly depicted sex, but not earth-shattering- I've seen more graphic descriptions in romances.
"

Katie | 5/25/2010

" I enjoyed the stories, but at some point it passed my gross-out line. Right up until that it was really enjoyable.
"

Mikenliza | 11/16/2009

" OK, so it is a guilty pleasure...fun reading.
"

Alison | 11/19/2008

" It's worse then the movie.. WAY WORSE
"

Cindy | 8/8/2008

" boys love beer... and exposing their privates, and ladies'tatas... who doesn't need more of this in their life???
"

Brian | 1/4/2008

" wasn't as fun a read as I had hoped
"

Gary | 11/15/2007

" If you lived in a fraternity house, this is possibly the single greatest book in the history of time. If you didn't but appreciate college humor, this still might be the greatest book in the history of time.
"

About the Author

Chris Miller is a screenwriter who was the story-writer in residence at National Lampoon for twenty-five years. A former ad man responsible for coining such phrases as “I’m cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs!,” he now lives in Venice, California.

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